Certified Executive Coach (ICF) | I help women leaders amplify their performance + presence to become Executives | Wife & Mom of 3 | Exec Group Coaching Program launching in Aug 2024 | Book a call today ⬇️

Apply to work with me for Executive Coaching: https://linktr.ee/executivematerial For Brand Partnerships (brands only) please email me at team@aprillittle.co 

April Little

In my 20's, I was a human doormat, staying silent when I should have spoken. Then, I overcorrected and spoke up about everything until I learned which battles deserved my voice. 

Perhaps that is why LinkedIn serves two purposes for me: to generate leads and as an outlet to help others. 

When I did pipe up, I was told I was "piping up" too much. 

I think that happens to many of us.

We trade one extreme for another as we seek to establish balance and boundaries. 

Emotional reactions are human, but so is learning discernment.

I do think it's human to suffer an emotional reaction to disrespect. 

I also think we have a responsibility to use our discernment to know when to respond and when not to. 

The real skill is in finding a middle ground.

Because it's not a good idea to give someone the impression they can say anything they want to you. 

What I've learned:
Not every perceived slight needs a response
Setting boundaries ≠ being a doormat
Choose your moments wisely

"The need to comment on everything is the definition of busy work. There is great peace in reserving your perspectives for the right time and people rather than always talking just because you have something to say." - Anonymous 

True power isn't in speaking up about everything - it's in knowing which battles are worth your voice.

credit: herleader on IG
—-

Hi, I’m April Little. I help current women leaders (Sr. Mgr, Director +) prepare for executive roles in 8 weeks or less. I am accepting 2 new clients this month. https://lnkd.in/gc-hbQBd 

 ✨ Recent Client Wins ✨
Director --> Vice President Promotion (on page)

✨✨Building EXCLUSIVELY on Instagram & TikTok @iamaprillittle✨✨ | Ex-HR Exec Helping Women Leaders Break the Mid-Level Ceiling Into Executive Leadership ($200k+) | 2025 Time 100 Creator

If I send this to you, it means 2 things: I’m EXCITED, and I’m recruiting for a Director of Strategic Partnerships ($350k OTE).

This is with Bond.

If you apply, you will receive an email update from me.

If you advance to the hiring manager stage, you will receive a call.

I do not ghost candidates, and I do not disappear after interviews.

This is a first-time Director opportunity with a clear path to VP.

Base salary ranges from 180K to 200K, with 350K on-target earnings and significant upside tied to deal performance and equity.

You will own global enterprise partnerships across home security, fintech, travel, and other technology sectors, while building the function from the ground up.

The role is onsite in the tristate area (NY, NJ, CT), requires up to 30 percent travel, and demands strong enterprise deal experience in SaaS, cybersecurity, fintech, insurtech, or enterprise software. 

(this is a non-negotiable.)

The CEO is requiring that this person is currently working in this role. 

I will be screening candidates this week and next week, and this is one of the only roles I recruit for each year in my fractional VP of HR capacity.

I am not recruiting for any other roles and will not review resumes sent by direct message.

Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gFg3mGQY

If you have been waiting for your first Director title with real upside including moving to VP in the next 12-24 months. Apply!

View newsletter: Executive Material (on Kajabi)

Thank you for reading Executive Material. Every Monday, break down how power, positioning, and executive communication actually work at senior levels,

Open article: Why "Just Find a Sponsor" Falls Flat and How to Borrow POWER and PRIVILEGE Instead  by April Little • 6 min read

Why "Just Find a Sponsor" Falls Flat and How to Borrow POWER and PRIVILEGE Instead

"We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty." Maya Angelou 

My background is primarily in higher education management, learning strategy and consulting.

I've led training programs for 4k+ professionals, performed needs analysis, created curriculum and guided leaders through change. 

On the consulting side, I've supported F100 companies with learning adoption and enablement through a series of career mobility programs for 400+ professionals. 

I was amongst the first 0.3% of OpenAI users in 2022!

I've been interviewed by the LA Times & Forbes Africa about career strategy in the age of AI.

In addition, I'm an author of two leadership books and keynote speaker. 

Recently, I was recognized by Favikon for ranking as a top creator in the career coaching niche on LinkedIn. 👑

Happy to connect for:

- Career Clarity - offering guidance to leaders
- Collaboration - share your story or idea 
- Corporate Consulting - opportunities to work towards solving your company needs 

Email me at charitysmcdonald@gmail.com

Charity S. McDonald

Happy to announce I’m an AI Research Writer for LinkedIn! This project centers LLM training evaluating responses for EQ and effectiveness.

Leadership & Career Consultant | AI Strategist | Keynote Speaker | GSDC Board Advisor | Author

LinkedIn just dropped their Top Skills for 2026

It’s not just about AI.

Yes, AI matters.

But so does:

✅Leading people
✅Speaking with confidence
✅Growing revenue
✅Making smart business moves
✅Managing risk
✅Running smooth operations

What does this mean?

The future belongs to leaders who can think, feel, and execute.

Not just tech 
Not just talent 

Both.

And here’s what most people are missing:

AI still needs humans who understand humans.

That’s why I train it.

I’m actively working on training AI to be more emotionally intelligent. Leaders too!

Because tools change.

Humans lead.

If you’re a founder, executive, or emerging leader who wants to grow in pay, peace + power in 2026…

Let’s work together.

DM me CROWN and share your challenges. Happy to offer solutions or refer you. 👑

“I pray you get good news this week!”

Comment if the message below is for you? 👇🏽

Charity S. McDonald is speaking as a panelist for the “Voice to Value” event on Zoom on 2/26!

This event is for Leaders, content creators, coaches, consultants and SMEs.

Or anyone interested in global growth this year!

2026 is the year to get paid for being you.

Details to register are in the comments⬇️

♻️Share this post with your connections.

Kareem Rogers, MHRIR, SHRM-CP, CIPC, CCSC, Sharath Nair and 56 other attendees

View event: Voice To Value: How Experts Turn Influential Leadership Into Global Impact

Voice To Value: How Experts Turn Influential Leadership Into Global Impact

taplio

The Battle

April Little

Charity S. McDonald

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Performance ScoreApril Little's LinkedIn Performance

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taplio

The Battle

April Little

Charity S. McDonald

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}April Little's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreCharity S. McDonald's LinkedIn Performance

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Performance ScoreApril Little's LinkedIn Performance